THE last operational waste and recycling site in the Thames Valley has now closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Slough Borough Council has decided to close Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) in White Hart Road with ‘immediate effect’ to prevent residents making unnecessary trips because getting rid of garden or attic waste was not deemed essential.

The council said they have seen people travelling from outside Slough’s boundaries from places far as Aylesbury and Bracknell to dispose of their trash.

READ MORE: Domestic abuse help services still open during Covid-19

The waste facility was among 37 per cent of sites which remained nationally.

Residents are warned not fly-tip or face a fine of up to £50,000 and/or a sentence of up to six months imprisonment with their vehicle seized if used to fly-tip.

Burning DIY waste in garden should not happen due to toxic smoke which can be emitted.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “It is with regret that we need to close Chalvey HWRC.

“We had kept it open for essential use only but regrettably many people from both within the borough and from neighbouring boroughs have been making non essential journeys putting themselves and our operatives at avoidable risk.

“There are still weekly collection services for refuse and recycling and fortnightly collection of green bins, so if people use the bins correctly all their waste should fit into their allocated bins.”

READ MORE: Wishing Boris well - with a message in the front garden

The council’s refuse, recycling and green bin collection rounds are still operating normally.

The waste transfer station for the disposal of commercial waste from businesses involved in providing critical services will remain open. Only card payments will be accepted.